Mudder Madness Unleashes Chaos at San Francisco Supercross

The second round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross series in San Francisco turned into a mudder showdown, separating the men from the boys under treacherous conditions. As the mud flew and the rain poured, Red Bull KTM’s Chase Sexton emerged victorious, while Jordon Smith conquered the Western Regional 250SX Class in a rain-soaked Oracle Park.

Chase Sexton- First place 450SX Class - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc

First place 450SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Sexton’s Dominance in the Mud

Chase Sexton showcased masterful skills in navigating the brutal San Francisco mud, earning a well-deserved victory and catapulting himself into the points lead. The relentless rain not only shortened Main Events but also prompted significant track alterations, creating a challenging battleground for riders.

Eli Tomac of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing battled the deteriorating track to claim the second spot, making a remarkable leap from ninth to tie for third in the overall standings. Ken Roczen of Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki overcame an early mishap to secure third place, all in the spirit of kicking off the season-long Love Moto Stop Cancer text-to-donate campaign.

Eli Tomac - Second place 450SX Class - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Second place 450SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Ken Roczen - Third place 450SX Class - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Third place 450SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Riders Share Their Struggles

Championing through the relentless downpour, Sexton reflected on the difficulties, stating, "Leading the race in a mud situation, it’s obviously where you want to be because you’re not getting roosted, but it also seems like it lasts forever."

Tomac, describing the conditions as among the toughest in supercross, highlighted the track's thickness and the challenge of deep ruts. Roczen, after a setback early in the race, expressed his mindset of pushing forward, emphasizing the struggle of catching up in a field filled with challenges.

Smith's Triumph in Western Regional 250SX Class

In the Western Regional 250SX Class, Jordon Smith, riding for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing, conquered the elements to clinch the top spot, building on his second-place finish from the previous week. The challenging conditions didn't deter Smith, who now holds the red plate and a five-point lead in the 10-round championship.

Jordon Smith - First place 250SX Class - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

First place 250SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Jordon Smith, who admitted his previous struggles in mud races, surprised everyone with a stellar performance. "I do feel like I’ve gotten better in the mud… I think riding outdoors last year helped me," Smith shared, showcasing his determination to overcome past setbacks.

Kitchen's Adaptation to Rain

In the 250SX Class, Levi Kitchen of Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki, who recently switched teams, revealed his strategy in adapting to the rain. "After practice I just basically stiffened my fork as much as it would go, dropped it in the clamps, just kinda made the front end light so I could kinda ride around that way and yeah, it felt really good."

Levi Kitchen - Second place 250SX Class - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Second place 250SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Marchbanks Battles from the Back

Garrett Marchbanks of Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha faced adversity as he fought his way to a third-place finish. Starting the race from the back after an early fall, Marchbanks showcased resilience and excitement for his podium finish.

Garrett Marchbanks - Third place 250SX Class - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Third place 250SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Key Highlights and Memorable Quotes

Sexton's Dominance in the Mud

Smith's Triumph in Western Regional 250SX Class

Riders Confronting Challenges

Redemption and Adaptation in 250SX Class

Looking Ahead

 

Chase Sexton Wins Nashville Supercross and Takes Over Second Place in Championship

Hunter Lawrence Grabs Western Regional 250SX Class Title with a
Win in the Music City

Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton took the Round 15 win in a rare daytime Monster Energy AMA Supercross race in Nashville, Tennessee.

Nashville Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc

The Supercross series returned to Nashville. Daytime opening ceremonies kicked off the second-ever Supercross race in the Music City. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac led early but earned second at the checkered flag at Nissan Stadium. Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen delivered another podium performance and earned third place points toward both the 17-round 2023 Supercross season as well as the inaugural 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. In the penultimate round of the Eastern Regional 250SX Class season, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence was picture-perfect for the race win and the points needed to seal his first Monster Energy AMA Supercross championship.

Chase Sexton – Nashville Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc

Chase Sexton’s Nashville Supercross win moved him into second place in the championship standings. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Eli Tomac grabbed a clear Holeshot and sprinted early to establish some breathing room on the pack of Tank Masters Red Line Oil Next Level KTM’s Kevin Moranz, Team Honda HRC’s Colt Nichols, Chase Sexton, Twisted Tea Suzuki Progressive Insurance’s Kyle Chisholm and Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia. Team Tedder Monster Energy Mountain Motorsport’s Justin Hill got an incredible drive down the first rhythm lane and was into third place before the second corner. Absent was Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb, second in the championship points; Webb had been taken out of the event earlier by a tough crash in his Heat Race.

Tomac distanced himself from the pack as Sexton moved past Justin Hill to take over second just three minutes into the race. Sexton sat over four seconds back but set his sights on Tomac. A minute later Tomac had a near-crash in the whoops. The challenging track had created a lot of crashes through qualifying and racing. Tomac’s scare convinced him to lower his aggression, as he reported on the podium after the race.

Just over five minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race Barcia moved forward into third place. Up front, Sexton steadily cut down the lead. The next few laps shook up the race as Sexton made it to Tomac’s rear fender just as Barcia crashed hard off the Dragon’s Back. Barcia was out just as Roczen nabbed third from Justin Hill. From there the race leaders held their spots on the slick, dry track. Sexton earned his fourth win of the season and moved into second in the championship standings. Tomac lost three points to Chase but extended his points lead to 18 due to Webb earning zero in Nashville.

Hunter Lawrence – Nashville Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc

Hunter Lawrence made it a Team HRC Honda sweep by taking the Nashville win and also the 2023 Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

When the gate dropped for the Eastern Regional 250SX Class, Hunter Lawrence grabbed the Holeshot but Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Jordon Smith quickly charged up to him. In the third corner Smith bumped his way past and into the lead ahead of Lawrence and Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin. A minute and a half into the 15-minute plus one lap race Smith held first ahead of Lawrence, Smith, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Jo Shimoda, and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan. With a 49-point lead and only one Eastern Regional 250SX Class round remaining after Nashville, Lawrence could finish as low as 20th and still claim the title. But Lawrence looked like he wanted to go out with a win, and hounded Smith up front. Shimoda moved into third behind them and Deegan fought to get past Martin for fourth.

With 9:30 remaining on the race clock Smith overcooked a turn in the sand section and went off the track and into the Tuff Blox. He didn’t fall, but the mistake and correction to get back on the track cost him two positions. Lawrence took over the lead but suddenly Shimoda was on a tear and looking like he might soon fight for the front spot. Fire Power Honda’s Max Anstie, the winner at the previous round, had made his way into sixth and reached Deegan’s rear wheel just before Deegan made his own move and passed Martin for fourth place.

Late in the race Lawrence had built a comfortable lead while Shimoda, Smith, and Deegan ran close enough that each of their positions were in jeopardy. The riders circled the final laps without major mistakes. Lawrence brought home the race win and with it his first Monster Energy AMA Supercross title. Shimoda earned his first podium of the season after missing most of it due to injury, and Smith took the final podium spot.

Only two rounds remain in the season. The 450SX Class racers line up again inside Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado next Saturday, May 6th before the 2023 Supercross Championship Final Presented by Utah Sports Commission at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 13th. Two champions remain to be crowned, one in the 450SX Class and one in the Western Regional 250SX Class.

The two rounds will also pay points toward the all-new SuperMotocross World Championship which encompasses the Supercross season, the AMA Pro Motocross season, two Playoff races and a Final to determine the sport’s first SuperMotocross World Champion in September.

All 31-rounds of the SuperMotocross World Championship are streamed live on Peacock and select rounds are broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. The 450 class racers battle for a one million dollar payout to the winner, and the 250 class racers all battle in a single class for a $500,000 prize to the winner in that class.

Tickets are available now alongside video highlights, race results, the complete SMX schedule, and more at SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Class podium – Nashville Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

450SX Class podium (riders left to right) Eli Tomac, Chase Sexton, and Ken Roczen.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

450SX Class Results

  1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha
  3. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki
  4. Colt Nichols, Murrieta, Calif., Honda
  5. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM
  6. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki
  7. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda
  8. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki
  9. Kyle Chisholm, Valrico, Fla., Suzuki
  10. Josh Hill, Huntersville, N.C., KTM

450SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (338)
  2. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (320)
  3. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (304)
  4. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (280)
  5. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (267)
  6. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (242)
  7. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (213)
  8. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM (172)
  9. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (170)
  10. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda (165)

250SX Class podium – Nashville Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

250SX Class podium (riders left to right) Jordon Smith, Hunter Lawrence, and Jo Shimoda.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Results

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda
  2. Jo Shimoda, Menifee, Calif., Kawasaki
  3. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha
  4. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
  5. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda
  6. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha
  7. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM
  8. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki
  9. Henry Miller, Rochester, Minn., Honda
  10. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (224)
  2. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (168)
  3. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda (166)
  4. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (141)
  5. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki (132)
  6. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha (128)
  7. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha (120)
  8. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM (111)
  9. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda (109)
  10. Coty Schock, Dover, Del., Honda (89)

Chase Sexton Takes Atlanta Supercross Win

Hunter Lawrence Notches Another 250SX Class Victory

Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton grabbed his third win of the year at Round 13 of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season.

230416 Atlanta Supercross

The Supercross series returned to Atlanta Motor Speedway for great racing on the high-speed Georgia track. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia earned second place on the high-speed track that stretched out in front of the grandstands of Atlanta Motor Speedway. Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen took third at the uncustomary-daytime Supercross round that paid points toward the 17-round Monster Energy Supercross season and also the inaugural 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. In the return of Eastern Regional 250SX Class racing, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence took his sixth win in seven rounds in the regional series.

230416 Chase Sexton - Atlanta Supercross

Chase Sexton earned his fourth career 450SX Class victory. With the win, the Honda rider pulled back into the championship points chase. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Ken Roczen grabbed the holeshot in the 450SX Class Main Event but Chase Sexton wasted no time getting into the lead before the racers had reached the second corner. After one lap Sexton was out front ahead of Roczen, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson, Justin Barcia, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo, Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb, and Team Tedder Monster Energy Mountain Motorsport’s Josh Hill, with points leader Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac in eighth place. Three minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race Barcia was into third and Webb was up to fifth and soon applying heavy pressure on Anderson for fourth. Six minutes into the battle Sexton was inching away from Roczen and Barcia; the top three had separated themselves from Webb and Tomac who held fourth and fifth.

Twelve minutes into the race the top three were still close enough to be in the same track section together. Barcia was the rider on the move and pressuring Roczen for second. With six and a half minutes left on the race clock Barcia took over the spot, but by then Sexton was four seconds up the track. Sexton put down some smooth, fast laps and stretched out the lead as the two riders ahead of him in the points still ran fourth and fifth.

Late in the race, Tomac made a drive and got up to Webb’s rear wheel just as Webb’s teammate, Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger, caught up to the two riders. But with two laps to go, Webb distanced himself from Tomac, and Plessinger lost touch; the big battle between the points front runners didn’t materialize. When the Monster Energy AMA Supercross flames fired off on the infield, Chase Sexton took his tenth career win and closed the points gap in the title chase to 17 with four races remaining.

230416 Hunter Lawrence - Atlanta Supercross

Honda’s Hunter Lawrence had a scare early but recovered to dominate the 250SX Class Main Event and stretch his points lead to 45. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

In the Eastern Regional 250SX Class Main Event, Hunter Lawrence snagged the holeshot ahead of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Jordon Smith, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Talon Hawkins, and Phoenix Racing Honda’s Coty Schock. Deegan jumped immediately into the lead but Lawrence shouldered his way back around as the racers charged up the face of the track’s bridge jump. Two minutes into the 15-minute plus one lap race the top four, Lawrence, Deegan, Smith, and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Nate Thrasher were pulling away in a four-way battle when Lawrence got wildly out of shape in a rhythm section. Lawrence made an incredible save that took him off the track, and Deegan took over the front spot.

Within a couple laps Lawrence had recovered and taken back the top spot, leaving Deegan to fend off his charging teammate Smith. The last time the Yamaha teammates had faced off there was blocking, contact, and a crash; but fans did not see a repeat as Smith got smoothly around Deegan with eight and a half minutes left on the race clock. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Jo Shimoda, in his first race back from injury, was recovering nicely from a poor start and put his Kawasaki into the top five at the race’s midpoint. Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin crashed hard in a rhythm section while running seventh, and late in the race Thrasher had a fall exiting one of the track’s two whoop sections. At the checkered flag Lawrence grabbed another win, Smith held strong in second, and Deegan earned a third podium in his rookie season.

The next race drops that gate inside MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on April 22nd. The event returns to the nighttime, stadium-format racing but bring the unique 250SX Class mash-up of the season’s first of two East/West Showdowns.

Atlanta’s speedway-venue layout was a look ahead at what the SuperMotocross Playoffs and Final events promise to provide to wrap up the all-new series in September. The 31-round series combines the complete Monster Energy AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross seasons with the three SuperMotocross rounds to crown one 450cc class champion who will earn a one million dollar championship bonus. The 250cc class champion will take home a $500,000 bonus.

Like every SuperMotocross round, racing is streamed live and complete on Peacock. Select events are also broadcast across NBC, USA Network, and CNBC channels. For race times, the full 31-round schedule, video highlights, rider power rankings, and more, please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

230416 450SX Class podium - Atlanta Supercross

450SX Class podium (racers left to right) Justin Barcia, Chase Sexton, and Ken Roczen.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

450SX Class Results

  1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  2. Justin Barcia, Monroe, NY, GASGAS
  3. Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Ger., Suzuki
  4. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM
  5. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha
  6. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM
  7. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki
  8. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda
  9. Colt Nichols, Murrieta, Calif., Honda
  10. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM

450SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (292)
  2. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (286)
  3. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (275)
  4. Justin Barcia, Monroe, NY, GASGAS (239)
  5. Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Ger., Suzuki (238)
  6. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (214)
  7. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (213)
  8. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (155)
  9. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna (150)
  10. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM (140)

230416 250SX Class podium - Atlanta Supercross

250SX Class podium (racers left to right) Haiden Deegan, Hunter Lawrence, and Jordon Smith.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Results

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Aus., Honda
  2. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha
  3. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
  4. Jo Shimoda, Menifee, Calif., Kawasaki
  5. Max Anstie, Newbury, Eng., Honda
  6. Henry Miller, Rochester, Minn., Honda
  7. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki
  8. Talon Hawkins, Temecula, Calif., Husqvarna
  9. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  10. Caden Braswell, Shalimar, Fla., Honda

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Aus., Honda (177)
  2. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (132)
  3. Max Anstie, Newbury, Eng., Honda (122)
  4. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha (120)
  5. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (115)
  6. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha (111)
  7. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki (104)
  8. Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM (86)
  9. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda (81)
  10. Coty Schock, Dover, Del., Honda (77)

Ken Roczen Takes Dramatic and Emotional Win at Indy Supercross

Hunter Lawrence Stretches Eastern Regional 250SX Class Points Lead with Indy Victory

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – March 12, 2023 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen earned a thrilling victory in front of the 62,728 screaming fans who packed Lucas Oil Stadium for Round 9 of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season.

Lucas Oil Stadium - Indy Supercross

Lucas Oil Stadium lit up during opening ceremonies but the real fireworks took place during the closing minutes of the night’s 450SX Class Main Event. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.  

Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia took second place after intensely pressuring for the lead in the final laps of the race. Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb finished third on an especially challenging track filled with deep, soft ruts. Webb’s finish gives him the season’s points lead and the red plate, by a single point, for both the Supercross season as well as toward the inaugural 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship series. In Round 5 of Eastern Regional 250SX Class racing, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence earned his fourth win of the season.

Ken Roczen - Indy Supercross

Ken Roczen grabbed his fourth win inside Lucas Oil Stadium. He kept his cool, and the lead, under intense pressure on one of the season’s most challenging tracks. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

When the gate dropped for the 450SX Class Main Event Ken Roczen crossed the Holeshot stripe first and immediately jumped into the lead. After one lap was in the books Roczen led Cooper Webb, Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo, Team Tedder Monster Energy Mountain Motorsport’s Justin Hill, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson, and Justin Barcia. After a slow start, points leader Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac had moved up to eleventh place.

Sexton went to work on Webb for second as the top four riders slowly pulled away from the rest of the field. Less than two minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race Sexton moved past Webb and set his sights on Roczen. The lead was down to less than one second when Sexton caught a rut on a jump and crashed. The incident gave Roczen a little breathing room on Webb. Sexton remounted back in twelfth place.

Seven minutes into the Main Event Barcia applied heavy pressure on Webb for second place. Barcia took the spot after the two racers came together exiting the whoops. Neither rider went down, and Webb stayed tight on Barcia while the two tried to reel in Roczen, who was over three seconds ahead.

As the race clock reached three minutes remaining Barcia had the lead down to just one and a half seconds and the volume of the Indianapolis crowd was intense. Barcia got right on the rear fender of the Suzuki, dropping the gap to .7 seconds as the two racers took the white flag. Roczen held his composure through the final lap, earning his first win of the season. The victory makes Roczen a four-time winner in Indy, the winningest active racer at the venue. It was Roczen’s first win since 2022, and Suzuki’s first win since 2016 – which incidentally was earned by Roczen. Barcia took a close and hard-fought second place, his best result of the season. Webb crossed the checkered flag in third, earning enough points to take the red plate and the points lead heading into Round 10 next weekend in Detroit.

Hunter Lawrence - Indy Supercross

Hunter Lawrence almost made the win look easy on one of the toughest, and most-rutted tracks of the season. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

When the gate dropped for the Eastern Regional 250SX Class Hunter Lawrence took the lead with a Holeshot over Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Jordon Smith, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Chris Blose, Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Marshal Weltin, and Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Nate Thrasher moved up to fourth early in the opening lap and reached third position before the lap was over. On lap two Thrasher put his Yamaha into second place and the crowd was primed to see an intense battle. The two riders collided the weekend before and Thrasher held some extra motivation to catch and pass the Honda rider.

Martin was the rider on the move early; after losing several spots on the opening laps he charged into fourth place just before race’s midpoint. He was the fastest rider on the track on that lap but was still about eight seconds back from the third place spot held by Smith. With just under seven minutes left on the race clock Lawrence had a scary moment when he came together with a lapped rider. Hunter’s right hand came off the handlebar but he stayed up and seemed to be no worse for the wear. As the clock wined down Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan crashed in the whoops, giving up his fifth place spot.

When the flames lit at the finish Lawrence pulled in his fourth win of the season and stretched his points lead to 22. Thrasher earned second place points without ever getting into striking distance of the lead. Thrasher’s teammate Smith took third place and Martin crossed the line in fourth.

This week the series takes a short hop north to Detroit, Michigan for Round 10 at Ford Field on Saturday, March 18th. The domed stadium is sure to provide more great racing as the athletes pass the midpoint of the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross season. Each Supercross round also pays points toward the brand-new SuperMotocross World Championship which pits the top Supercross and Motocross racers against one another for two Playoff races and one Final in September. The 450 Class winner will take home a cool one million dollars and go down in the history books as the first champion of the SuperMotocross League. The 250 Class racers will battle for the 250 Class title, with a $500,000 championship payout to the winner of that division and an equal spot in the sport’s history books.

The action from Indianapolis and previous rounds is already available in video highlights at SupercrossLIVE.com. The site also provides story features, race results, racer power rankings, as well as ticket sales to upcoming events. Every Supercross and SuperMotocross event is streamed live on Peacock, with select rounds broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. For details and more please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Class podium - Indy Supercross

450SX Class podium (racers left to right) Justin Barcia, Ken Roczen, and Cooper Webb.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

450SX Class Results

  1. Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Ger., Suzuki
  2. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS
  3. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM
  4. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM
  5. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki
  6. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki
  7. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna
  8. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha
  9. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM
  10. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda

450SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (202)
  2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (201)
  3. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (189)
  4. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (166)
  5. Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Ger., Suzuki (164)
  6. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (155)
  7. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (154)
  8. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna (119)
  9. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda (93)
  10. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (92)

250SX Class podium - Indy Supercross

250SX Class podium (racers left to right) Nate Thrasher, Hunter Lawrence, and Jordon Smith.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Results

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Aus., Honda
  2. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha
  3. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha
  4. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha
  5. Max Anstie, Newbury, Eng., Honda
  6. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki
  7. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
  8. Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM
  9. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  10. Coty Schock, Dover, Del., Honda

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Aus., Honda (125)
  2. Max Anstie, Newbury, Eng., Honda (103)
  3. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha (93)
  4. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (92)
  5. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (90)
  6. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha (90)
  7. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki (70)
  8. Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM (68)
  9. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda (60)
  10. Coty Schock, Dover, Del., Honda (57)

Assets:
2023 Indianapolis Photo Gallery
450SX Class Highlights – Indianapolis
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Highlights – Indianapolis
Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Media Contacts:
Sean Brennen
Feld Motor Sports – Senior PR Manager – Supercross
sbrennen@feldinc.com

About Feld Motor Sports:

Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting specialized arena and stadium-based motorsports entertainment. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the SuperMotocross World Championship. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a subsidiary of Feld Entertainment, Inc. Visit monsterjam.com, SupercrossLIVE.com, and feldentertainment.com for more information.

About Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship:

Monster Energy AMA Supercross is the most competitive and highest-profile off-road motorcycle racing championship on the planet. Founded in America and sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) since 1974. Over 17 weeks, Supercross attracts some of the largest and most impressive crowds inside the most recognizable and prestigious stadiums in North America to race in front of nearly one million live fans and broadcast to millions more worldwide. For more information, visit SupercrossLIVE.com.

About the SuperMotocross World Championship:

The SuperMotocross World Championship™ is the premier off-road motorcycle racing series that combines the technical precision of stadium racing with the all-out speed and endurance of outdoor racing. Created in 2022, the SuperMotocross World Championship combines the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the AMA Pro Motocross Championship into a 31-event series that culminates in a season-ending two round playoff and SuperMotocross World Championship Final. Visit SuperMotocross.com for more information.

About the American Motorcyclist Association:

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.

Source: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

230105 SX sponsor logos

####

Cooper Webb Wins a Wild Night in Texas with Arlington Supercross Victory

Nate Thrasher Takes Top Spot in 250SX Class inside AT&T Stadium

ARLINGTON, TX – February 26, 2023 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb earned a dramatic win at round seven of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season inside AT&T Stadium. The race was the second Triple Crown-format event of the 2023 season that combines three Main Event race results to determine the overall finishing order for the night. The event pays points toward both the 17-round Supercross season and the brand-new, 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship.

Arlington Supercross

Texas race fans enjoyed the 43rd year of a Supercross event in the Arlington/Dallas metro area. They saw Cooper Webb become the winningest rider in the city’s history with five victories at the venue. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton took the second place spot with a night of big highs and some frustrating lows. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac went home with third place points at the event directly following his announcement that he will postpone his retirement and compete in the entire 2023 SuperMotocross World Championship series. In the Eastern Regional 250SX Class, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Nate Thrasher took the victory with plenty of action and drama en route to 2-2-3 race finishes.

Cooper Webb won his third Triple Crown - Arlington Supercross

Cooper Webb won his third Triple Crown event and moved within two points of taking the red plate and the season points lead. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Race 1 of the 450SX Class held enough thrills to be its own event. Eli Tomac grabbed the Holeshot with Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen, Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia, and Team Honda HRC’s Colt Nichols right behind. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson crashed in the first corner and Sexton was caught up in it. The incident put Sexton well back in the field, showing in 11th position after the first lap. Up front Roczen was keeping Tomac honest. By the midpoint of the race Roczen was alternately gaining and losing ground on Tomac while Sexton had worked up to fifth and Webb was moving forward and up to seventh. With under two minutes left on the race clock Sexton forced his way past Barcia to take third while further up the track Roczen was only .7 seconds behind Tomac. Webb reached Barcia in the final laps, but Barcia was able to hold off the KTM rider. At the checkered flag Roczen had proven he had the speed to run up front in Texas, but the most impressive ride came from Sexton, who had been rapidly closing on the leaders when he ran out of time in the short 12-mintue plus one lap race.

Jason Anderson got off to a much better start in Race 2 with a Holeshot and a clear track ahead. Webb was in second at the Holeshot stripe and Roczen held third ahead of Sexton, Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger, and Tomac. On the opening lap Sexton put his Honda into third but then one turn later slid out before the whoops and gave up the spot to Tomac. Just over four minutes into the race Sexton was on Tomac, who had two close calls while blitzing the whoops. It took a couple laps for Sexton to take back third. Anderson was out to a comfortable lead four seconds ahead of Webb. Sexton was less than two seconds behind Webb and if the first race were any indication Sexton looked poised to reel in both riders. But both Anderson and Webb were flying, and Sexton was never able to get within striking distance. At the checkered flag Anderson won comfortably, Webb took second, Sexton finished third, and Tomac held fourth. Going into the final race Tomac was in the lead for the overall event win with five points, Sexton held six points, Webb was at seven, Roczen had eight, and Anderson sat with nine.

The 450SX Class delivered a dramatic Race 3. Tomac got the Holeshot, Sexton was second at the Holeshot stripe with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper third, Barcia fourth, and Webb fifth. Soon Tomac, Sexton, and Barcia held the top three spots and distanced themselves from the pack. As the race clock ticked down toward eight minutes Barcia got out of shape in the whoops and overshot the berm of the following corner. At nearly the same time Sexton washed out his front end and crashed just one turn further up the track. Sexton got going in time to stay in second but then had Anderson and Webb right on his rear fender. Tomac then crashed in the flat turn after the bridge jump. He remounted in fourth while Sexton took over the race lead and was poised to win the overall for the event. Then Anderson got wild in the whoops and Webb tucked under him to take over second; but Webb was 2.2 seconds behind. Then with 1:34 left on the race clock, a lapper unintentionally pushed Sexton wide, and Webb capitalized. Webb seized the lead and rode perfect to the end. Webb took the race win and the Triple Crown overall. It was Webb’s third Triple Crown win, his last coming in 2019. Sexton garnered second for the night and Tomac took third overall even though he’d fallen back to sixth in the final race. The night’s points tightened up the battle for the title. Tomac leaves Texas with the red plate, but Webb is back only two points and Sexton is back only five.

Nate Thrasher (29) was fast and consistent - Arlington Supercross

Nate Thrasher (29) was fast and consistent on the Texas soil to grab his fourth career Supercross win.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

The Eastern Regional 250SX Class kicked off the night’s racing with Fire Power Honda’s Max Anstie grabbing the Holeshot in 250SX Race 1. Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence was quickly into the lead with Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle following, pushing Anstie back to third. A few corners later Nate Thrasher dove into second while Anstie passed Vialle back to reclaim third. Lawrence and Thrasher slowly inched away from the pack as Thrasher edged closer to Lawrence’s rear tire in the opening laps. After whittling the gap down to just .7 second a mistake by Thrasher gave Lawrence some breathing room. Anstie held third until the end of the 10-minute plus one lap race. Behind him, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Jordon Smith was the rider on the move, reaching fourth place with just under two minutes left on the race clock. At the finish it was Lawrence, Thrasher, Anstie, Smith, and Vialle.

In the second 250SX Class race Jordon Smith nailed the Holeshot ahead of Hunter Lawrence, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan, and Team Honda HRC’s Chance Hymas. Nate Thrasher was sixth at the start stripe but on the opening lap he moved up and made an aggressive contact pass on Lawrence in the corner after the whoops. Lawrence lost two positions while the Yamaha teammates ran first and second. Lawrence got into third place before the race’s midpoint and steadily reeled in the Yamaha riders. Soon the top three were within one second of each other, but a mistake from Thrasher sent him sideways over the bridge jump and Lawrence ran into him and went down. With just over a minute left on the race clock the incident put Thrasher out of striking distance for the win. Lawrence picked up his bike and salvaged third. Heading into the final race, Lawrence looked to have the advantage with track speed, but the points were tied between Lawrence and Thrasher with Smith only one point out.

Race 3 was wild from start to finish. Nate Thrasher took the holeshot and early lead while Hunter Lawrence crashed in the first turn. Anstie then hit Lawrence and the Hondas pinned Lawrence down adding extra delay as the pack roared away. Up front Thrasher led Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Michael Mosiman, Jordon Smith, Tom Vialle, and Phoenix Racing Honda’s Jace Owen. Lawrence and Anstie started slicing through the pack while up front Smith pressured Mosiman for second. With under four minutes left on the race clock Mosiman crashed under the tunnel and Smith ran into him giving second place to Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin. Thrasher was gone out front with more than a nine second lead. But Thrasher had been racing with an injured ACL in his knee and that possibly contributed to a big crash in the whoops. Thrasher remounted in third, a position would give him the overall event victory. On the final lap Smith crashed hard in the whoops but remounted to finish fifth and earn second overall. Lawrence crossed the line in sixth to take third place overall for the night.

The series returns to Florida next weekend for one of the most physically demanding races of the year, the DAYTONA Supercross. Round 8 of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross series and the 2023 SuperMotocross World Championship takes place on a Supercross track carved out of the Daytona International Speedway trioval infield. The unique track design will be a look ahead to the three hybrid-track SuperMotocross events in September. Playoff 1 and Playoff 2 pay increasing points that combine with the triple-payout points of the SuperMotocross World Championship Final held inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 23rd.

The Monster Energy AMA Supercross series and the SuperMotocross World Championship rounds are all streamed live on Peacock, with select events also broadcast domestically on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. International coverage can be found through SuperMotocross.tv. Tickets for the DAYTONA Supercross as well as the other nine remaining Supercross events are on sale now. To purchase tickets, read race results and feature stories, and find airtimes on Peacock, NBC, USA Network, and CNBC go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Class podium - Arlington Supercross

Class podium (racers left to right) Eli Tomac, Cooper Webb, and Chase Sexton.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

450SX Class Results

  1. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (5-2-1)
  2. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (3-3-2)
  3. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (1-4-6)
  4. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (8-1-3)
  5. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (2-6-4)
  6. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (6-5-5)
  7. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (4-7-7)
  8. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna (7-8-8)
  9. Justin Cooper, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (11-9-9)
  10. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM (10-11-10)

450SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (160)
  2. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (158)
  3. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (155)
  4. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (130)
  5. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (122)
  6. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (121)
  7. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (113)
  8. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna (90)
  9. Joey Savatgy, Clermont, Fla., Kawasaki (85)
  10. Colt Nichols, Murrieta, Calif., Honda (84)

250SX Class podium - Arlington Supercross

250SX Class podium (racers left to right) Hunter Lawrence, Nate Thrasher, and Jordon Smith.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Results

  1. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha (2-2-3)
  2. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (4-1-5)
  3. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (1-3-6)
  4. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM (5-9-2)
  5. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda (3-4-9)
  6. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha (6-12-1)
  7. Michael Mosiman, Minneaola, Fla., GASGAS (7-6-7)
  8. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (15-5-4)
  9. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki (8-8-8)
  10. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda (9-7-16)

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (73)
  2. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda (62)
  3. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha (57)
  4. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (53)
  5. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha (53)
  6. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (52)
  7. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM (52)
  8. Michael Mosiman, Minneaola, Fla., GASGAS (49)
  9. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda (43)
  10. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki (37)

Assets:
2023 Arlington Photo Gallery
450SX Class Highlights – Arlington
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Highlights – Arlington
Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Media Contacts:
Sean Brennen
Feld Motor Sports – Senior PR Manager – Supercross
sbrennen@feldinc.com

About Feld Motor Sports:

Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting specialized arena and stadium-based motorsports entertainment. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the SuperMotocross World Championship. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a subsidiary of Feld Entertainment, Inc. Visit monsterjam.com, SupercrossLIVE.com, and feldentertainment.com for more information.

About Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship:

Monster Energy AMA Supercross is the most competitive and highest-profile off-road motorcycle racing championship on the planet. Founded in America and sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) since 1974. Over 17 weeks, Supercross attracts some of the largest and most impressive crowds inside the most recognizable and prestigious stadiums in North America to race in front of nearly one million live fans and broadcast to millions more worldwide. For more information, visit SupercrossLIVE.com.

About the SuperMotocross World Championship:

The SuperMotocross World Championship™ is the premier off-road motorcycle racing series that combines the technical precision of stadium racing with the all-out speed and endurance of outdoor racing. Created in 2022, the SuperMotocross World Championship combines the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the AMA Pro Motocross Championship into a 31-event series that culminates in a season-ending two round playoff and SuperMotocross World Championship Final. Visit SuperMotocross.com for more information.

About the American Motorcyclist Association:

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.

Source: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

230105 SX sponsor logos

####

Tomac Shows Nerves of Steel in Houston Supercross Victory

Hunter Lawrence Wins Opening Round of Eastern Regional 250SX Class Racing

HOUSTON, TX – February 5, 2023 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac returned to his winning ways, holding firm through a dramatic Round 5 of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross. Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton had the lead in his sights but had to settle for second inside NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Houston has hosted a round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross series for 46 years

Houston has hosted a round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross series for 46 years. NRG Stadium lights up during opening ceremonies. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson took the final podium position in the event that paid points to both the 17-round Supercross season as well as the inaugural 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. In the opening round of the Eastern Regional 250SX Class, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence earned the win with a performance that should have his competition worried.

Eli Tomac

Eli Tomac looked to be in trouble early in the Houston Main Event but found more speed to earn his third win of the 2023 season. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

When the gate dropped for the 450SX Class Main Event, defending champion Eli Tomac jumped out into the lead with Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger pressuring him from the start. But 3:25 into the 20-minute plus one lap race, a crashed rider necessitated a red flag and a temporary stop to the action. The rules called for a unique staggered re-start. The racers were lined up, one after the other according to their race order, then thrown back into battle with the wave of a green flag. The starting position order was Tomac, Plessinger, Anderson, Sexton, and Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb, but once back underway Anderson quickly took over second place. Sexton was around Plessinger shortly after and with 13:05 remaining on the race clock Sexton got into the second-place spot.

Premiere class athletes staged for the staggered start after a red flag

Premiere class athletes staged for the staggered start after a red flag stopped the race due to a downed racer. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

After Sexton had demonstrated his speed on the Houston track by qualifying first by over a full second, and also catching and beating Tomac in their Heat Race, it looked like the Texas crowd would see a fight for the lead. But Tomac found some extra speed; he put in laps fast enough to stave off Sexton’s early charge. The gap between the two was 1.6 seconds, but soon Sexton was putting in the fastest laps of any rider on the track. When the clock ticked past 6:30 remaining, Sexton had whittled the lead down to just half a second and appeared to be looking for a line around Tomac.

But Tomac held tough. The two-time and defending Supercross champion didn’t falter under the pressure. After about one lap with Sexton right on him, Tomac pulled back out enough breathing room to ride his own lines. Behind them, Anderson and Plessinger held steady while Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia found a way around Cooper Webb for fifth, yet Webb took the spot back before the checkered flag. Tomac scored his third win of 2023 and stretched out his points lead. Sexton nearly backed up his win from the previous round; he kept the bike on two wheels and earned second place points, securing second in the 17-round championship standings.

Hunter Lawrence (96), the favorite going into the opening Eastern Regional 250SX Class round, established himself as the racer to beat with a convincing win. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

In Eastern Regional 250SX Class racing Hunter Lawrence grabbed the Holeshot but within a few turns Frenchman Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle slid from third into the lead. Vialle, the two-time and reigning MXGP MX2 class Motocross World Champion, found himself leading not only his first Monster Energy AMA Supercross, but his first race ever in America. Hunter fought back on the opening lap but misjudged his launch off a triple jump and sent his Honda off the track. Lawrence made an incredible high-speed save through the track-lining Tuff Blox and rejoined the race only losing one position.

Team Honda HRC’s Chance Hymas found himself in second place. The Rookie put immediate pressure on Vialle. But before two minutes had run off the clock in the 15-minute plus one lap Main Event Lawrence had re-taken second from Hymas. Shortly after that pass Hymas had trouble and Fire Power Honda’s Max Anstie took over the third place spot with Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Jordon Smith, and rookie Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan right behind. Deegan was in his first pro race after competing in the SX Futures class just one week prior.

Smith reeled in Anstie and pressured for the position until he crashed in the sand. With five minutes left on the race clock the top three seemed comfortably in their spots. It was an Australian, Brit, and a Frenchman looking to make the opening Eastern Regional race an international podium. But in the final laps Smith put on a charge, getting around Martin right before Vialle crashed in one of the track’s bowl turns. Martin then crashed on the final lap, and the opening round of the Eastern Regional Series ended with Lawrence crossing the finish line in first, Anstie in second, Smith earning a hard-fought third place, and Haiden Deegan grabbing fourth in his first professional race.

The racers face off again next weekend at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida for Round 6 of the 450SX Class and the second round of the Eastern Regional 250SX Class. The event pays points to each class for both the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season as well as towards the ultimate title, the 2023 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship series which combines Supercross, Pro Motocross, and two SMX Playoffs and Final for an all-new title with a $10 million-dollar total purse.

All 2023 Monster Energy Supercross and SuperMotocross World Championship series rounds are available to watch live on Peacock. Select races are also broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. For highlight videos and more information on the racers, results, and tickets to upcoming rounds please visit SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Podium - Houston

450SX Class podium (racers left to right) Chase Sexton, Eli Tomac, and Jason Anderson.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

450SX Class Results

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha
  2. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  3. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki
  4. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM
  5. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM
  6. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS
  7. Justin Cooper, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
  8. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki
  9. Joey Savatgy, Clermont, Fla., Kawasaki
  10. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki

450SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (95)
  2. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (88)
  3. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (83)
  4. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (76)
  5. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (73)
  6. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (65)
  7. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (64)
  8. Dylan Ferrandis, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (56)
  9. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (56)
  10. Joey Savatgy, Clermont, Fla., Kawasaki (53)

250SX Podium - Houston

250SX Class podium (riders left to right) Jordon Smith, Hunter Lawrence, and Max Anstie.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Results

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda
  2. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda
  3. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha
  4. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
  5. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha
  6. Michael Mosiman, Minneaola, Fla., GASGAS
  7. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM
  8. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda
  9. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  10. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (26)
  2. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda (23)
  3. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (21)
  4. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (19)
  5. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha (18)
  6. Michael Mosiman, Minneaola, Fla., GASGAS (17)
  7. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM (16)
  8. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda (15)
  9. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda (14)
  10. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki (13)

Assets:
2023 Houston Photo Gallery
450SX Class Highlights
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Highlights
Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Media Contacts:
Sean Brennen
Feld Motor Sports – Senior PR Manager – Supercross
sbrennen@feldinc.com

About Feld Motor Sports:

Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting specialized arena and stadium-based motorsports entertainment. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the SuperMotocross World Championship. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a subsidiary of Feld Entertainment, Inc. Visit monsterjam.com, SupercrossLIVE.com, and feldentertainment.com for more information.

About Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship:

Monster Energy AMA Supercross is the most competitive and highest-profile off-road motorcycle racing championship on the planet. Founded in America and sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) since 1974. Over 17 weeks, Supercross attracts some of the largest and most impressive crowds inside the most recognizable and prestigious stadiums in North America to race in front of nearly one million live fans and broadcast to millions more worldwide. For more information, visit SupercrossLIVE.com.

About the SuperMotocross World Championship:

The SuperMotocross World Championship™ is the premier off-road motorcycle racing series that combines the technical precision of stadium racing with the all-out speed and endurance of outdoor racing. Created in 2022, the SuperMotocross World Championship combines the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the AMA Pro Motocross Championship into a 31-event series that culminates in a season-ending two round playoff and SuperMotocross World Championship Final. Visit SuperMotocross.com for more information.

About the American Motorcyclist Association:

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.

Source: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

230105 SX sponsor logos

####